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In a chance sighting, scientists have managed to study the ecology of a whale carcass, found in an undersea crater beneath Antarctica.

While on a deep sea dive, researchers from the University of Southampton came across what is known as a “whale fall”, of which only six have been found naturally. The study looks at how the largest ocean dwellers provide nutrients for the smallest.

Nine new species of deep sea organisms were found, including bone-eating zombie worms and limpets similar to ones found on volcanic vents. The discovery gave insight into the mysterious process of how creatures spread between these bodily habitats.